Google Promises Fix to Nexus One 3G Problems

Google Nexus One customers could finally have a fix to at least one of their problems. Google says it will soon release a patch that will improve the spotty 3G coverage that has left many Nexus One customers frustrated.

“Our engineers have uncovered specific cases for which a software fix should improve connectivity to 3G for some users,” a Google employee commented on the company’s Nexus One forum.”We are testing this fix now and initial results are positive.”

Google hopes to offer the fix as a software update by wireless download to Nexus One users in “the next week or so.”

Nexus One is the first smartphone to be sold by the search company itself, rather than a manufacturing or carrier partner. The HTC-designed device runs the Android 2.1 operating system and is available for $180 with a two-year contract on T-Mobile. An unsubsidized version of the phone costs $530.

Though the Nexus One gained approval for its fast processor, vivid display and slim design, the device has also been plagued by consumer complaints. Unreliable 3G connectivity and Google’s poor customer service have been the biggest peeves. Customers have complained that the Nexus One does not latch on to 3G network and keeps switching to the slower EDGE network.

Google isn’t promising that all Nexus phones will be fixed with its update. “It may be, however, that users are experiencing problems as a result of being on the edge or outside of 3G coverage, which a product fix cannot address,” says the Google employee.

Still, at least for some, the 3G patch should put an end to those “Can you hear me now?” conversations.